While the Land of Enchantment is full of beautiful rivers like the Rio Grande, massive lakes like Elephant Butte, and plenty of hikes and adventures to take in the likes of the Santa Fe National Forest, this lake in Navajo Dam in Northern New Mexico is the ultimate nature oasis. This is the second largest lake in the state, but the crystal clear waters are as blue as they come. Whether you’re looking to go boating, kayaking, or just get away from life for awhile on a sandy beach, this Navajo Dam lake is the perfect serene lake destination in New Mexico.
Welcome to Navajo Lake! This crystal clean lake is hidden in Navajo Dam and is situated in Navajo Lake State Park. As you can tell by the name, this lake is a result of the Navajo Dam which is made of rocks.
Navajo Lake Marina/Facebook
This beautiful lake isn’t a lake, after all; it’s actually a reservoir. After the 3,800-foot dam was constructed in 1962, this impounded the water and created Navajo Lake. Unfortunately, the name of the lake is also an ode to the Navajo sacred site it’s built upon, in which the construction of the lake flooded the land.
New Mexico State Parks
The upper part of the lake is the tail end of the San Juan River, which has equally clear blue waters. This river is a world-class fishing spot and features a campground and trails.
Ali/Google
Navajo Lake is a hot spot in the summer for kayaking, boating, canoeing, and so much more. Their marina was also named one of the best in the state, and it’s always a good time.
Navajo Lake Marina/Facebook
This vast lake covers over 15,000 acres and is the second largest lake in New Mexico. Hiking alongside it offers the best vantage points to take in this gigantic piece of nature, and truly has you feeling miles away from it all.
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While you might not think the Land of Enchantment has many shorelines, this lake has two. They both feature sandy beaches to relax on, and pretend you’re in the Caribbean.
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Navajo Lake State Park is also home to seven different campgrounds if you’d like to stay for awhile. There are 244 campsites throughout the park, and beach camping is permitted if you’d like to get back to the basics and stay the night upon crystal clear waters.
GREGORY S/TripAdvisor
If you’re looking for a true getaway upon some of New Mexico’s clearest waters, this lake that’s a top destination for outdoor fun needs to be at the top of your bucket list.
New Mexico State Parks Address: 36 Road 4110 #1, Navajo Dam, NM, 87419 Phone: (505) 632-2278
For more information about Navajo Lake State Park, you can visit the New Mexico State Parks website right here.
Have you ever gotten away from life for awhile at Navajo Lake? We’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments, and don’t forget to then go share photos from your hiking adventures with us in our New Mexico Nature Lovers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinnewmexico for a chance to be featured.
Navajo Lake Marina/Facebook
New Mexico State Parks
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GREGORY S/TripAdvisor
Address: 36 Road 4110 #1, Navajo Dam, NM, 87419 Phone: (505) 632-2278
For more information about Navajo Lake State Park, you can visit the New Mexico State Parks website right here.
For another nature getaway in the Land of Enchantment, check out this trail that will lead you straight to the most refreshing swimming hole in New Mexico.
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